Overview – Zimbabwe

Because of the political situation in Zimbabwe, tourists are few and prices are competitive, but the main parks are still cared for and well worth visiting. Hwange is not to be missed, and Mana Pools offers great canoeing safaris on the Zambezi.

Zimbabwe Safari Reviews

Wildlife

Hwange and Mana Pools are Zimbabwe’s prime sites for wildlife watching. The most commonly spotted animals are the elephant and hippo, while the giraffe, zebra, lion and hyena are also present in good numbers. When it comes to the leopard or other cats, however, sightings can prove rare. The beautiful sable antelope and the bat-eared fox are two lesser-known highlights of the local animal population.

Weather & Climate

Zimbabwe’s temperate climate is characterized by a moisture-less Dry season (April to October) and a sodden Wet season (November to March). The drier months are cool to warm, although the temperature shoots up in advance of the rains. In the wetter months, the temperature climbs to an afternoon average of around 30°C/86°F, but high levels of humidity give the heat more bite.

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife can be viewed in Zimbabwe year-round. But the generally beautiful weather and high visibility of animals in the Dry season (April to October) make this the best time of year to hitch a ride on a game drive. Note, though, that views of Victoria Falls are often obscured by a veil of spray from March to April because of the amount of water tumbling down its face. You’ll have a much clearer view of these famous falls if you visit from May to September, when the Zambezi River calms down.

Zimbabwe Safari Reviews

Most Helpful Expert Review

Kim Wildman –

AU

Kim is a travel writer who authored and updated over 15 guidebooks, including Lonely Planet's South Africa and Bradt's Tanzania guides.

A sleeping giant

4/5

When I first visited Zimbabwe in 1996 it was the jewel in Southern Africa’s safari crown – business was booming and tourist dollars were flowing. Thanks to the malevolence of Robert Mugabe, more than a decade later not only was...

Latest User Review

William Kinard –

IT

Reviewed: Jul 1, 2018

City and Bush, Birding and Boating -- Zimbabwe Had It All!

5/5

From the time we arrived in Zimbabwe, my wife and I had nothing to plan or deliberate during our entire stay. All transportation was prompt, clean, and courteous. We enjoyed a sunset cruise down the Zambezi in Vic Falls, lunch at the...

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